A smart meter is an electronic device that records consumption of electric energy and communicates the information to the electricity supplier for monitoring and billing. Smart meters typically record energy hourly or more frequently, and report at least daily. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central system.
Smart Energy meters are tools used to manage and record electricity and performance of electronic devices in the home. What makes the meters “smart” is their ability to provide detailed and accurate analytics on electrical usage in real-time or at predetermined intervals, all without a technician.
These smart meters can send usage information through power line communication, radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF), and cellular communication, helping the utility company to effectively manage the energy usage. Smart meters offer a host of benefits such as reduction of meter reading cost, preventing disconnection, removing inefficiencies in billing, and reconnection costs to corporations and consumers
Block diagram of Smart Meter
Such an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) differs from automatic meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communication between the meter and the supplier. Communications from the meter to the network may be wireless, or via fixed wired connections such as power line carrier (PLC). Wireless communication options in common use include cellular communications (which can be expensive), Wi-Fi (readily available), wireless adhoc networks over Wi-Fi, wireless mesh networks, low power long range wireless (LoRa), ZigBee (low power, low data rate wireless), and Wi-SUN (Smart Utility Networks).
Smart metering offers potential benefits to householders. These include, a) an end to estimated bills, which are a major source of complaints for many customers. b) a tool to help consumers better manage their energy purchases-stating that smart meters with a display outside their homes could provide up-to-date information on gas and electricity consumption and in doing so help people to manage their energy use and reduce their energy bills. An academic study based on existing trials showed that homeowners’ electricity consumption on average is reduced by approximately 3-5%. Fig. shows the block diagram of smart metering system.
Advance metering system
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) refers to systems that measure, collect, and analyze energy usage, and communicate with metering devices such as electricity meters, gas meters, heat meters, and water meters, either on request or on a schedule. AMI enables a whole new set of data that can be used for engineering analysis and provide for new ways to improve a distribution system’s efficiency and reliability.
These systems include hardware, software, communications, consumer energy displays and controllers, customer associated systems, meter data management software, and supplier business systems. The network between the measurement devices and business systems allows collection and distribution of information to customers, suppliers, utility companies, and service providers. This enables these businesses to participate in demand response services.
Consumers can use information provided by the system to change their normal consumption patterns to take advantage of lower prices. Pricing can be used to curb growth of peak demand consumption. AMI differs from traditional automatic meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communications with the meter. Systems only capable of meter readings do not qualify as AMI systems. Fig shows block diagram of smart meter.
Smart metering is an essential element in smart grid implementations as they are using Internet of Things technologies to transform traditional energy infrastructure. Smart metering through IOT helps to reduce operating costs by managing metering operations remotely. It also improves the forecasting and reduces energy theft and loss. These meters simply capture the data and send it back to the utility companies over highly reliable communication infrastructure.
The intelligence of smart grid is built over by deployment of SCADA, AMI and Smart Meters and by leveraging the potential of ICT. Metering, recording, and controlling operations come under the purview of the smart grid operations. Smart meters Consumer domain (HAN -Home Area Network) consists of smart appliances and more).
